Book enthusiasts can once again come together virtually on August 21 for the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books, sponsored by the University of San Diego.

The USD community will be greeted by a few familiar faces at this weekend’s annual event, including College of Arts and Sciences Dean Noelle Norton, PhD, who will moderate two of the four panels.

In addition to Norton, professors from the departments of English; languages, cultures and literatures; communication studies; mathematics and sociology will take part in virtual sessions that address topics that range from the immigration debate to understanding storytelling.

Scroll below to learn more about the professors featured in this year’s event.

Session 1: Slang and Body Language as Meaningful Messaging
LIVE SESSION ON AUGUST 21
2 – 2:45 p.m.

Eliza Smith, PhD, assistant professor of French, will discuss her recent book, Literary Slumming Slang.

Jonathan Bowman, PhD, a professor of communication studies, will discuss his recent book, Nonverbal Communication.

Check out the 2019 “Office Hours” interview with Bowman:

Session 2: Creating Home: Immigrant Myths, Realities, and Voices
LIVE SESSION ON AUGUST 21
3 – 3:45 p.m.

Greg Prieto, PhD, an associate professor of sociology, will discuss his book, Myth and Reality in the U.S. Immigration Debate.

Leonora Simonovis, PhD, MFA, a professor of Spanish, will discuss her work, Study of the Raft.

Check out the 2018 and 2019 “Office Hours” interviews with Prieto and Simonovis:

Session 3: Writing Workshop
PRE-RECORDED SESSION – WORKSHOP/DEMO TRACK

Dennis Clausen, PhD, professor of English, will discuss Storytelling as Art and Craftsmanship.

Session 4: PRE-RECORDED FESTIVAL SESSION

Moderated by Fletcher Jones Professor of Applied Mathematics Satyan Devadoss, PhD

Check out the 2021 “Faculty in Focus” interview with Devadoss:

To learn more about the Festival of Books and to register for the event, go to www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdfestivalofbooks2021.

— USD News Center